When you are going grocery shopping, there are many mistakes that you often make and overlook when it comes to spending money.
You may not think you are spending a lot on groceries, but when you look at the mistakes that people often make when they shop – you would be surprised to learn what you could do differently in order to maintain a frugal lifestyle. Let’s look at 11 costly mistakes you may be making when you are grocery shopping:
#11 – Not Looking At The Bottom Shelf
The first item you will grab is the one you see right in front of you. Did you know that you can get items for cheaper prices if you pick them up from the bottom shelf? The quality of the item on the bottom is no different from it being on the shelf that is right in front of you. But these items are purposely placed on the bottom due to the fact that people do grab what is right in front of them. Take some time to look below.
#10 – Dedicate One Day Of The Week To Do Grocery Shopping
Why not do your mass shopping once a week instead of making daily trips to the grocery store? You will save on gas by doing this. At worst, if you need to go grocery shopping twice a week, then that is fine too. But don’t go every day. It will cost you more in the long run due to this fact.
#9 – Bigger Is Not Always Cheaper
It is a belief that buying larger items means that you will save money. However, that is not necessarily true. Some larger packages of food are actually more expensive in the long run. Before settling on a size of an item to purchase, be sure to price it out before you make the decision to buy.
#8 – Look In Different Areas Of The Grocery Store
You may think that items are sold in one designed area of the grocery store. However, that is not always the case. There may be other areas of the grocery store that you could find the same item to purchase for a cheaper price. All you have to do is look around.
#7 – Don’t Only Look For Convenient Places In The Grocery Stores
People shop in convenient areas of the grocery store such as near the cashier for items. However, that is not always the most economical way to shop. You can get the same items for a cheaper price in other areas of the store. You just have to inconvenience yourself to do that.
#6 – It’s Cheaper At The Salad Bar
Have you gone shopping in the salad bar area of the grocery store when you are looking for a specialty food item? Chances are that you have not. If you are looking for a chopped egg, potato salad, or bacon bits, go to the salad bar and collect items in the containers there. They are cheaper than those areas found in other parts of the store.
#5 – Go Grocery Shopping On Your Way Home From Work
This is not the most convenient time to shop and those who manage and run those grocery stores know that. That is why they set higher prices for groceries early on in the day. In the afternoon and evenings, the prices of items are marked down and that means you will save money when you shop during those hours.
#4 – Check Your Receipts Thoroughly
Many people don’t check their receipts carefully. And accidents can happen such as being double charged for one item. If you let the cashier know of a mistake you have found on the receipt of that nature, then the adjustment will be made and you will get a refund for that accidental item.
#3 – Use Reusable Bags
You will want to invest in reusable bags if you don’t have any already. Many grocery stores charge for bags and they do add up. If you use your own bags, then you will save money on that alone.
#2 – Don’t Shop For A Specific Recipe
This can be quite expensive if you are shopping for a recipe. All of the items for the recipe will not be on sale and you will be paying more. It is best to plan your meals in advance and see what ingredients will be on sale. If you plan to try out a recipe at a time when all of the items you need will be on sale, you will save money by waiting.
#1 – Use A Store App
If you shop at a store that is part of a large chain, there is a good chance that it has an app. You will then want to download the app because you can get plenty of digital coupons. It is a lot more convenient than clipping coupons, and you will also not miss out on any as well.
In order to save money when you are grocery shopping, you will want to change your lifestyle when it comes to grocery shopping. In the long run, it will add up either way. Choose the smart way and save.
